Seventh in Europe for teenager Shortt, Hill roars into final

Hill, who has qualified for the Paris Olympics in the 50m freestyle and 100m backstroke, has secured a middle lane for the 50m backstroke final. 

Ireland’s John Shortt takes his marks ahead of the 200m backstroke final at the 2024 European Aquatics Championships. Picture: ©INPHO/Andrea Masini

17-year-old John Shortt finished seventh in the final of the 200m backstroke at the European Aquatics Championships in Serbia. The Galway native swam 1:58.48 in his first senior international final. Shortt touched the wall just over three seconds behind winner Oleksandr Zheltiakov of Ukraine. 

“It’s bittersweet," said Shortt, "that’s a European Final I just swam in so I’m so happy. Time wasn’t exactly where I wanted it to be, there’s been some challenges this week with racing outdoors for the first time, but I’m happy with that swim.’